We Sing for All the Unsung Saints
We sing for all the unsung saints
This hymn celebrates the Lutheran understanding of the communion of saints and the cloud of witnesses that encompasses both celebrated martyrs and unnamed faithful believers throughout history. It emphasizes how the lives of ordinary believers testify to God's grace and inspire contemporary faith communities to continued faithfulness.
History & Background
Written by Canadian hymn writer Sylvia G. Dunstan in 1991, this contemporary hymn was first published in hymnal supplements and gained widespread use in Lutheran hymnals beginning with ELW (2006). It reflects modern inclusive language while drawing on the classical theme of the communion of saints.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 691
- Lutheran Service Book — 678
Bulletin Note
Written by Sylvia Dunstan in 1991, this hymn celebrates the Lutheran understanding of the cloud of witnesses—both named martyrs and nameless faithful—whose lives testify to persevering grace and the communion of saints across time.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of the communion of saints, showing how the Gospel persists through ordinary believers across time, thereby challenging contemporary listeners to ask whether their own faithful witness will inspire future generations.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From contemplation of Christ's humble birth in obscurity to personal invitation for Christ's transformative indwelling; movement from historical event to soteriological application
Themes
Cloud of witnesses Communion of saints Faithful witness Perseverance in faith Commemoration of the faithful departed